Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, deserves to be celebrated rather than mourned, describing his life as one filled with remarkable achievements and lasting contributions to society.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Aiyedatiwa noted that despite attaining the age of 100, the elder statesman remained mentally alert and continued to influence government decisions through his wisdom and experience.

Fasoranti, a prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, died at the age of 100.

The governor made the remarks during a condolence visit to the deceased’s residence. His Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Aiyedatiwa said he was shocked by the news of Fasoranti’s death, despite the elder statesman’s advanced age, stressing that his continued involvement in public affairs demonstrated his mental sharpness.

“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” the governor said.

He described Fasoranti as an outstanding educator whose influence extended across generations, noting that many people he mentored had grown into prominent figures in different parts of the world.

According to the governor, the elder statesman lived a fulfilled life worthy of celebration, adding that his passing offered an opportunity to appreciate God for his contributions to humanity.

“We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa also praised Fasoranti’s humility, kindness, calm disposition and ability to develop ideas and translate them into practical achievements.

The governor observed that the elder statesman died peacefully without enduring the prolonged illnesses and frequent hospital visits often associated with old age.

“He slept, and that was it,” he said.

He prayed that members of Fasoranti’s family and others who looked up to him would sustain his legacy by following his example and continuing to contribute positively to society.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit, saying the family had also chosen to celebrate their patriarch’s life rather than grieve over his death.

Taiwo disclosed that his father often told family members he had a covenant with God to live until the age of 100. He said the late elder statesman repeatedly instructed them not to cry when he eventually passed away.

“We are not mourning Baba. We are rejoicing. Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,” he said.

The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who remained actively involved in his children’s lives from their elementary school years through university.

He added that the family would miss Fasoranti’s presence and counsel, describing him as a man who spoke sparingly but always communicated his message effectively.

Taiwo appealed to the public to pray for the family as they cope with the loss and confront the challenge of carrying forward the legacy left by the late patriarch.

The governor’s delegation included Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; and Abiola Mankinde, who represents Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Members of the State Executive Council also accompanied the governor, alongside former Deputy Governor Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and the Iresi of Osi, Oba Samuel Olajide Okunato.

Others present included Akure South Local Government Chairman, Gbenga Fasua, and Afenifere chieftains Chief Femi Aluko and Chief Korede Duyile.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, needs serious help, citing what he described as a troubling pattern of gaffes and incoherent statements.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Onanuga made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday, following reports that Obi had urged Nigerians living abroad to advise relatives back home who request financial assistance to support good governance through their votes.

During a town hall meeting with supporters in the United Kingdom, Obi reportedly said Nigerians in the diaspora should tell relatives asking them for money to demand better governance instead.

“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no! Let’s put somebody who has proven to be productive,” Obi said.

Reacting to the comments, Onanuga argued that Obi’s recent public statements showed a worrying pattern of gaffes, inconsistencies and incoherence.

“Peter Obi needs some counselling, not ordinary counselling. All those gaffes, inconsistencies, and incoherence are forming a worrisome pattern. I seriously think that he needs help,” the presidential aide stated.

However, Obi has denied asking Nigerians in the diaspora to stop sending money to their loved ones in Nigeria.

His media office issued a statement on Monday night rejecting reports that the former Anambra State governor had urged Nigerians abroad to withhold financial support from their families.

The office described the controversy as the result of a distorted interpretation of Obi’s remarks during his engagement with Nigerians in Europe.

It alleged that portions of the video had been edited and stripped of the context necessary to understand his message. According to the media team, Obi neither intended to discourage financial assistance to relatives nor sought to undermine the sacrifices made by Nigerians living abroad.

In a separate statement personally signed on Tuesday, Obi also accused political opponents of twisting his message.

He said that although his media office had already issued a clarification, he considered it necessary to address what he described as the distortion of his remarks.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Sunday Inyima, has dismissed allegations that the murder of his younger brother, Egeonu Inyima, was politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The commissioner insisted that the deceased was not involved in any political dispute with anyone, describing reports linking the killing to political tensions as false and misleading.

reports that Inyima made the clarification while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ohaukwu Local Government Area chapter, who visited his country home in Izhiangbo to commiserate with him over the tragedy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the commissioner condemned those allegedly circulating unverified accounts of the incident, warning that attempts to associate the killing with political conflict could generate unnecessary tension.

Egeonu was reportedly killed by suspected assailants at Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, barbaric and regrettable, Inyima called on relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

He also cautioned individuals and groups against interfering in the investigation or taking actions that could undermine the legal process.

“Though I am severely traumatised by the gruesome murder of my younger brother, I would not want anyone to suffer unjustly. No innocent person should be implicated or made to suffer for a crime he or she did not commit,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to the police and other authorities handling the case to remain transparent and impartial throughout the investigation.

He further stressed that nobody, regardless of their position or status, should interfere in the matter, including himself.

“Nobody, and I mean nobody, regardless of their status, including myself, should interfere in the matter. The legal process must be allowed to run its course until justice is fully served,” Inyima added.